Why Do I Need To Change My Guitar Strings?
Guitar strings need to be changed because of corrosion and wear from playing. Metal guitar strings corrode over time from exposure to the humidity in the air just like any other metal object. Both metal and nylon strings get dirty, stretch, get damaged, and wear out from playing. The corrosion and wear change the way the string vibrates, and thus change the sound and can also cause the string to go out of tune. Because of this guitar strings need to be changed periodically.
How Often Should I Change My Guitar Strings?
How often guitar strings need to be changed depends on:
- How much you play. The more you play, the faster your strings will wear out.
- The humidity level. Higher humidity causes strings to corrode faster.
- The type of strings you use. Coated strings last longer but are usually more expensive.
- The moisture and acidity of your hands. Some people naturally have higher-acidity in their perspiration which causes strings to corrode faster.
- How hard you play. If you play loudly, strum hard, and use a stiffer pick, it will cause more wear on your strings.
- Your personal preference. Some players love the sparkle of new strings while others prefer a more mellow, played-in tone.
Advice for Beginners
It can be difficult for beginners to know when to change their guitar strings, so we offer the following advice:
- You should change your strings every 3-6 months.
- If your guitar is not holding tune as well as it used to, change your strings. It may be another issue with the guitar, but changing the strings is the easiest and cheapest solution to try first.
- If your guitar sounds dull, change your strings.
- If your guitar strings are discoloured and corroded or show nicks or other visible signs of wear or damage, change them.
- If you can’t remember the last time you changed your strings, then it is probably time to change them!
Finding Your Sweet Spot
Learning how to change strings and when to change them is all part of becoming a guitar player. As you gain more playing experience you will start to notice the changes in how your strings perform over time as they wear in and then wear out. You will develop your own preference for the sound you like and understand how often you need to change your strings to achieve and maintain that sound. Enjoy the journey!
